1. Objectifs

Intentions :
«In this paper, I will present a definition of casual work in the Québec context (in French, the term ’précaire’ or precarious, is more often used) and I will present elements of recent research on self-employed workers. [...] The two main ideas advanced here are that self-employment should be considered in any policy trying to increase economic security, and that gender should be taken into account. [...] In this last section on policy issues, I will present an innovative policy which has just been adopted in Québec, and which gives access to parental leave to the self-employed.» (pp.115-116)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
Données documentaires diverses

Type de traitement des données :
Réflexion critique

3. Résumé

«The term ’casual work’ is not well defined in the literature and can include a diversity of types of employment. In this paper, we first present an introduction and definition of concepts related to job security and economic insecurity. Second, a view on the main labour market transformations, their causes and impacts, with more accent on self-employment. We will then reflect on policy issues and on how social policies can impact on job security, and this is where we will introduce the new Québec parental leave regime, which is a welcome effort to alleviate insecurity and economic difficulty for selfemployed parents, taking gender into account. We will conclude by considerations on the importance of economic security and the policies which could support this, in a context where many stress the fact that ’boundaryless’ or ’nomadic’ careers are the way of the future and that workers should simply adapt to this new context.» (p.115)